Street Art: Everyone's Platform, Until It's Not.
Best Street Art Cities to Visit this Spring.
Ciao,
how are you? Have you started dreaming about spring adventures yet? I've been putting the final touches on the Paris Book, and now, my focus is shifting to our upcoming week in Madrid. (Just a little heads up - there are only 3 spots left!)
The journey with the Paris Book has stretched out longer than I had initially anticipated. On one hand, the quest to secure interviews with artists has turned into a relentless pursuit, demanding an abundance of patience -a virtue that hasn't always been my strongest suit- as I deal with delayed responses and the constant need to follow up.
On the other hand, the drive for independence and the vision of delivering a work that is entirely mine -untainted by external compromises- made me opt for the DIY route, thrusting me into an entirely new realm of challenges, from learning to manage every aspect of publishing independently to navigating the steep learning curve that comes with it. (If any of you know your way around Amazon KDP, hit me up!)
And now, with the manuscript finally in the hands of a graphic designer, I find my mind wandering ahead to summer.
Recall my New Year's resolution to return to the essence of BLocal by immersing myself in various cities, capturing their soul from a local's viewpoint?
This summer I’ll be writing you from London, a city that captured my heart twenty years ago. I can’t wait to share this adventure with you through my articles, vlogs, and the eventual London Book :-) But let's not get ahead of ourselves! We still have our street art-packed journey to Madrid and a bustling festival season awaiting us before we retreat to London.
Happy spring,
Giulia
The public space is for everyone to speak out, until it isn’t.
In November, Italian street artist Nemo's was tasked with creating a mural that reflected Florence's contemporary social and cultural issues.
Nemo's could not have created a more fitting piece: the artist drew inspiration from the real estate and speculative situation of rents, the commercialization of public spaces by luxury brands, and the city's transformation into a theme park, highlighting a disconnect with the local community.
In representing Florence as a symbol of the country's cultural crisis, Nemo's included brilliant details, from the Brunelleschi's Dome squeezing mass tourism to the Palazzo Vecchio being reduced to merely a cash register.
However, the city administration found the subject offensive, and a few weeks ago the mayor ordered it to be erased.
This censorship case isn’t isolated. One of the essential aspects of street art is its role as a free voice, where public spaces are meant for everyone to speak out. Yet, all around the world, murals are censored by those in power, for a variety of reasons.
The instances of censorship in the world of street art have been so numerous that it's impossible to list them all in this newsletter. Thus, I've decided to focus on two particular episodes of censorship, and I'll explain why I find them so emblematic.
The first example involves Banksy's birds in Clacton-on-Sea, UK, a situation notable for its unique power dynamics. Instead of a direct order from the local authorities, like in Florence, the city council cloaked its censorship in the guise of defending political correctness. They branded an anti-racist piece as racist, alleging it contained “offensive and racist remarks.” This pretext for censorship cleverly inverts the work's actual stance.
The discomfort Banksy's work provoked likely stems from its satirical depiction of views too closely mirroring actual sentiments prevalent in Clacton-on-Sea—its satire so sharp, it blurs the line with reality. The invocation of political correctness to censor a piece that critiques racism underlines not a misunderstanding but a deliberate act of suppression.
The third story I want to highlight has a happy ending. In the San Basilio district of Rome, BLU painted a mural to commemorate Fabrizio Ceruso, a 19-year-old guy shot -and killed- by a policeman during protests. Merely days after the mural's completion, a truck, under police escort, whitewashed a portion of it.
However, as time marches on, the city council's white paint is gradually wearing off, revealing BLU's original depiction: a group of cops portrayed as pigs.
These stories reveal the tension between artistic freedom and the control exercised by those in power, often leading to the suppression of voices that seek to challenge or critique societal norms. Yet, the case of BLU's mural in Rome offers a glimmer of hope, a testament to the resilience of street art against the forces of censorship.
As the city council's white paint fades, revealing BLU's original provocative depiction, we are reminded of this subtle yet significant victory of street art's enduring power to resist, challenge, and ultimately break through the barriers of censorship, underscoring that its message and essence cannot be permanently silenced.
Only 3 spots left to explore Madrid with me!
Join me from May 1st to 5th, for an exclusive exploration that goes far beyond the usual tourist paths. Delve into the heart of Madrid’s dynamic street art, discovering the soul of the city through its vibrant urban art scene. This is your chance to connect with fellow street art enthusiasts and experience Madrid’s offbeat charm in a way that most visitors never will.
New on the Blog!
Street Art in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide to All 20 Arrondissements and Beyond!
My MAXI travel guide to street art in Paris is online!
This massive article delves into the rich mosaic of street art spanning all 20 arrondissements of Paris and even stretches beyond, into the city’s outskirts and suburbs -check it out and share it with your friends!
Belleville and the 20th Arrondissement
Belleville stands out as one of the best neighborhoods to discover street art in Paris, embodying the city’s spirited vibe through a diverse collection of urban art. It’s a place where everything from large-scale murals to tiny street installations captures the imagination.
Exploring Pantin, the Brooklyn of Paris
Situated in the former industrial belt of eastern Paris, Pantin has transformed its industrial past into a hub of cultural dynamism. Its old factories and warehouses have been repurposed into trendy loft apartments, art galleries, and thriving music venues.
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Handpicked by yours truly
Best Street Art Cities to Visit this Spring
Longer days and milder weather invite us to explore and create new memories. Is there a better season to seize the day and embark on a city break?
Here are the European cities that shine brightest in spring, waiting for you to explore. Fancy a bespoke travel plan that aligns with your hobbies and interests? I'm here to design your perfect city break!
Lisbon
In Lisbon, an eclectic mix of cafes, art galleries, flea markets, and underground music venues serve as the playgrounds for the city's creative minds and souls seeking an alternative rhythm to life. The essence of off-beat Lisbon is its refusal to be neatly categorized, much like the azulejo tiles that adorn its buildings - each piece a story, together a masterpiece of complexity and beauty.
Top Tip for Spring 2024: Enjoy Aryz’s majestic installation, “Vanitas,” specifically designed and produced for Lisbon’s Panteão Nacional. Until June 23rd.
Barcelona
Spring in Barcelona awakens a sense of renewal and creativity that permeates its narrow medieval streets and the sprawling beaches that line the Mediterranean. The alternative spirit of Barcelona is palpable in its myriad of hidden squares and gardens, where locals gather to share music, art, and ideas under the gentle warmth of the spring sun.
Top Tip for Spring 2024: Visit graffiti writer’s Dirty solo show “Cuatro” at Montana Gallery. Until June 14th.
Amsterdam
While living in Amsterdam, I always eagerly awaited the spring season. After the long, grey winter, the city bursts into life with the first signs of spring, epitomized by the most iconic symbol of Dutch spring: the blooming of tulips. This period also marks the perfect time for enjoying outdoor café terraces and long bike rides.
Top Tip for Spring 2024: Discover the history of hobo and rail worker graffiti at STRAAT Gallery. Until April 28th.
Rome
Rome's beauty is undeniable throughout the year, yet it is in spring that my city transforms into a living open-air museum, with the ideal temperature. Even though pollen allergies plague me, I can't help but admire the blooming trees! :-)
Top Tip for Spring 2024: Discover local and international sticker artists at StickeRomExpo, taking place in May 8-12 at UP Urban Prospective Factory.
Do you wanna discover Rome’s alternative soul with me? Book a customized tour!